Arlington Agenda (June 10-16)
Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.
If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form. Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.
Tuesday
Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner*
Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar (2350 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Brewery has mastered many wonderful beers and Fire Works is proud to partner with them for an evening of amazing food to highlight their amazing beer.
Dollars for Disaster
SoBe Bar and Bistro (3100 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Club Red, the Red Cross National Capital Region’s young professional society, will be hosting an event to raise awareness and money for the Oklahoma tornado victims.
Wednesday
Author Talk & Book Signing: Elliot Smith, Beltway Boys
One More Page Books (2200 N Westmoreland Street)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Elliott Smith chats about Beltway Boys: Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and the Rise of the Nationals, an insider’s look at the Washington Nationals’ breakout season and their unique strategy to piece together a contending team.
Friday
Rosslyn’s Film Fest: Can’t Buy Me Love*
Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Moviegoers are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket. Films begin at dusk, approximately 8:00 p.m. Before the show, enjoy games and prizes. Rain or shine.
Neal Brennan at the Drafthouse
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Neil Brennan is the Co-Creator of The Dave Chappelle Show. After writing countless Hollywood scripts for television and movies, he is now touring the country performing a one-of-a-kind stand-up comedy routine.
Saturday
Shocked & Amazed Presents Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow
Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Step up, step in for a fast paced and funny, death-defying daredevil stunt spectacular with all the glitter, glamour, and gut-wrenching thrills of a Vegas show guaranteed to please, amuse, and amaze audiences.
Sunday
Zero Prostate Cancer Run
Pentagon Row (1101 South Joyce Street)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The race is part of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, coming to more than three-dozen cities across the nation in 2013. It brings together athletes, doctors, cancer survivors and those who care about them to end prostate cancer.
*Denotes featured (sponsored) event
Rosslyn Office Building to Be Renovated
An aging Rosslyn office building will soon get a facelift.
The 14-story, 280,000 square foot office building at 1777 N. Kent Street, on the easternmost end of Rosslyn, will be undergoing a full-scale renovation. Building owners Vornado and Gould Property Company announced late last week that they had secured $53.5 million in debt financing from Wells Fargo to help pay for the renovations, which will include “new lobby and common areas and upgrades to the building’s mechanical systems.”
The building, which was built in 1980, is also known as Rosslyn Plaza North.
The Corporate Executive Board has already pre-leased more than 100,000 square feet in the renovated building. That’s in addition to their existing 625,000 square foot lease at the Waterview building at 1919 N. Lynn Street, the Washington Business Journal previously reported.
Jones Lang LaSalle, which helped arrange the financing, described Rosslyn as “one of the strongest office markets in the United States.”
“Situated in Rosslyn, Virginia, 1777 N. Kent Street offers an irreplaceable location including stunning, unobstructed and monumental views of the Washington, D.C. skyline,” the company said in a press release. “The submarket, one of the top performing in the DC metropolitan area offers an urban setting providing abundant amenities and direct access to Metrorail’s Blue and Orange lines, the area’s critical roadways and major international airports including Washington Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.”
Photo via Vornado
Morning Poll: Lower Speed Limits on Wilson, Clarendon Blvds?
Next month, the Arlington County Board is expected to consider a proposal to lower the speed limit on Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards between Rosslyn to Clarendon.
As reported by the Sun Gazette, the proposal would lower the speed limit on the key arteries, between Washington Blvd and Route 110, from 30 to 25 miles per hour.
The lower speed limit is in keeping with the county’s Master Transportation Plan, which calls for a 25 mile per hour speed limit on streets with lots of development and pedestrian activity.
Morning Notes
Funeral for Arlington Firefighter Injured on 9/11 — A funeral will be held today for an Arlington firefighter who was a first responder on 9/11. Phillip McKee III suffered a severe leg injury while battling fires at the Pentagon following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. He also inhaled toxic dust and later suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. His family says McKee, 41, died from complications from those injuries. McKee, who held degrees from Yale and Harvard, was openly gay and is survived by his husband and partner of 15 years. [Washington Blade]
County Officials: No Subsidies for Gov’t Agencies — With the county still reeling from the impending loss of the National Science Foundation, Arlington officials are sticking to their guns and saying that offering tax breaks and other financial incentives to lure federal agencies is bad policy. Arlington Economic Development Director Terry Holzheimer is pushing for the General Services Administration to disclose additional information related to the decision to move the NSF to Alexandria by 2017. “None of it makes any sense,” Holzheimer said of the decision and its impact to other government tenants in Ballston. [Washington Business Journal]
Bluemont Trail Improvements – Arlington County crews will be widening a section of the Bluemont Trail between Buchanan Street and the Ballston Holiday Inn this month. Crews will also be removing obstructions and landscaping around the trail. [Bike Arlington]
SUPERNOVA Photos — Dozens of artists invaded public spaces in Rosslyn over the weekend for the SUPERNOVA Performance Art Festival. Some of the artists and their performances can be seen in a series of photos published the the Ode Street Tribune blog.
Democratic Primary Today — Democrats will go to the polls today in Virginia to vote in the primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Among the candidates is Arlington resident Aneesh Chopra, who’s running for lieutenant governor. Polls will remain open in Arlington from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. [Arlington County]
UPDATED: Route 110 Shut Down Due to High Water
(Updated at 11:05 p.m.) All lanes of Route 110 have reopened after being closed for more than an hour due to high standing water near the Memorial Bridge underpass.
Four vehicles were reported to be stranded as a result of the high water, which was as deep as two feet. Six people were rescued from their vehicles by firefighters, who managed to drive their fire engine up to the stranded vehicles. All occupants are safe and accounted for.
One of the stranded drivers, Alexandria resident Jessica Cruz, says she and her family were driving down Route 110 toward the Pentagon when they came upon the flooded roadway. She said they tried to get around the flooding, but water ended up getting into the interior of the compact sedan. The water also got into the engine compartment, rendering the car inoperable.
“We went down the so-called shallow part, which wasn’t so shallow once we hit the middle,” she told ARLnow.com. “It didn’t make it any easier with the vehicles behind us pushing water into the car.”
With two-year-old son Jonathan in a car seat and her husband and mother-in-law also in the car, Jessica waited for firefighters to arrive. Once they pulled up, her husband escaped through a window and the rest of the family was able to get out by opening a car door, with firefighter assistance.
“We were just hoping to get out okay,” Jessica said. She said she also saw a young couple being rescued from a stranded pickup truck.
One man in a Jaguar coupe, who didn’t need to be rescued, said the water got up to his doors at one point. The car ended up being towed. A man in a BMW that was initially stranded was able, with some effort, to get his car started and drive away.
Other areas of high water due to tonight’s storms were reported at the intersection of Washington Blvd and N. Fillmore Street, and on Route 50 near Courthouse. Southbound lanes of George Mason Drive were closed at Washington Blvd earlier due to a downed tree.
Board to Consider New Hotel on Colony House Site
This weekend, the Arlington County Board is expected to consider a plan to build a new hotel on the former Colony House furniture site at 1700 Lee Highway.
The hotel is slated to be branded as a Hilton Homewood Suites. Developer B.F. Saul plans for the hotel to be 8 stories tall, with 168 rooms and 102 parking spaces.
“Due to the extreme topography of the site, which rises 20-50 feet in elevation from the northern to the southern property line, the two levels of parking are at grade and visible along Lee Highway and at the corner of North Quinn Street,” Arlington County staff wrote in a report to the County Board.
The staff report anticipates “marginal” increases in traffic at nearby intersections after the hotel opens, with no additional traffic delays expected. The hotel is roughly a half mile from the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations.
The County Board is set to consider the project at its Saturday meeting. If the Board approves a rezoning and site plan for the hotel, developers hope to have it built and open at some point in 2014.
Overturned Vehicle on I-395
Police and firefighters are on the scene of an overturned vehicle on southbound I-395, just south of the Arlington Ridge Road onramp.
The single-vehicle accident happened on a stretch of the highway that’s extraordinarily accident-prone during rainstorms.
The lone occupant of the flipped vehicle was able to self-extricate and only suffered minor injuries to his hand.
Southbound I-395 traffic is backing up near the Pentagon.
UPDATED: Tornado Watch, Flood Warning Issued
Update at 3:00 p.m. — A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Arlington, D.C., Alexandria and Fairfax County. The National Weather Service says very heavy rain has produced the imminent risk of flash flooding around streams and low-lying areas.
A Tornado Watch has been issued for Arlington and the surrounding region.
The National Weather Service says weather conditions are conducive to the formation of tornadoes. The watch is in effect until 10:00 p.m.
From an earlier weather advisory:
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE OUTLOOK AREA UNTIL MIDNIGHT. EPISODES OF HEAVY RAINFALL WILL LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING IN SOME AREAS…PARTICULARLY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
IN ADDITION…SOME THUNDERSTORMS MAY BECOME SEVERE DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BE DAMAGING WIND GUSTS…HOWEVER A FEW TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE.
Video: Race Official Hurt in Crystal Cup Crash
A race marshal for Sunday’s Crystal Cup bike race was hurt when one of the competitors slammed into her, knocking her to the ground.
The moments before and the immediate aftermath of the crash, which happened near the VRE station on Crystal Drive, were caught on video (above).
The collision sent the cyclist tumbling into the path of a race vehicle, the driver of which managed to stop in time and render aid. Arlington County sheriff’s deputies and police motorcycle officers also responded to the crash.
About 30 seconds after the initial crash, a group of racing cyclists approach the scene. Unable to get out of the way in time, one ran over the race official, who was still on the ground, and himself fell hard to the pavement.
The race marshal was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries, according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. She was one of four race participants who required transport to the hospital on Sunday.
The cyclist who ran over the official, identified by the website Bike Hugger as Timothy Rugg, wrote in a blog post that he didn’t suffer any injuries aside from “tons of road rash and a deep gash in my elbow.” He complained that the course for the Crystal Cup race and Saturday’s Clarendon Cup race, both part of the Air Force Association Cycling Classic, contained too many “obstacles and potholes.”
Aldo Imo Ilesic of Slovenia was the first place male finisher in the Clarendon Cup, according to CyclingNews.com. American Amanda Miller topped the field among elite women.
Argeninian Juan Jose Haedo placed first among elite men in the Crystal Cup, VeloNews.com reported. Lauren Stephens captured first place in the elite female race.
Photo (bottom) courtesy eschweik
UPDATED: Two Attempted Bank Robberies in Arlington
(Updated at 2:15 p.m.) Arlington County Police are investigating two separate attempted bank robberies inside supermarket this morning.
A man entered the SunTrust bank at 3713 Lee Highway around 11:10 a.m. and passed a note to a teller demanding money. A weapon was implied but not seen, and the man reportedly fled before receiving any cash.
The bank is located within a Safeway supermarket in the Cherrydale neighborhood.
The suspect is described as a black male wearing a red Nationals hat, a navy blue raincoat, jeans and New Balance sneakers. The man was between 5′ 9″ and 5′ 10″, in his late 40s or early 50s, with a black and gray beard.
Some 20 minutes later, police were called for another attempted bank robbery at the PNC Bank at 2901 S. Glebe Road, inside a Giant supermarket.
The suspect passed a note demanding money and implying a weapon, but appeared nervous and again fled before receiving cash. The suspect description is similar to that of the first attempted robbery, according to Arlington County Police Department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck.
From a police press release:
The Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit, along with the FBI’s Washington Field Office, is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a bank robbery suspect captured in surveillance footage at separate locations.
The initial robbery attempt occurred at 11:08 a.m. on June 10, 2013 in the 3700 block of Lee Highway at the Suntrust Bank inside of Safeway. Twenty minutes later, the suspect attempted to rob the PNC Bank located inside the Giant Food Store in the 2900 block of S. Glebe Road. On both occasions, the subject entered the bank and approached a teller with a handwritten note demanding money and implying he had a weapon. The suspect fled the scene on foot each time without receiving money.
He is described as black male in his late forties or early fifties with a medium build. He was wearing a striped polo shirt underneath a dark-colored jacket, with blue jeans and a Washington Nationals baseball hat.
Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of this individual is asked to contact Detective Gary Skeens at 703.228.4166 or Detective Richard Conigliaro at 703.228.4193 with the Arlington County Police Department or investigations@arlingtonva.us. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).
ART Bus Driver Cited for Crash With Ambulance
The driver of an Arlington Transit bus has been cited for a crash involving an ambulance this morning.
The accident happened near the intersection of Walter Reed Drive and Four Mile Run Drive. The ambulance, Arlington medic unit No. 101, was en route to a call at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall around 7:45 a.m., when the ART bus pulled out in front of it, causing a crash, according to Arlington County Fire Battalion Chief Daniel Fitch.
The ambulance, which had its lights and sirens on, slammed into the bus, causing the bus to roll into a small ditch adjacent to the W&OD bike trail.
One of the firefighters in the ambulance was transported to the hospital for observation, Fitch said. No other injuries were reported.
The driver of the bus, who was the only person on the bus at the time of the crash, was cited for failure to yield.
Photos courtesy Jana McAndrew, Matt Einstein and Daniel Fitch
Morning Notes
Flash Flood Watch Today — A Flash Flood Watch is in effect today for Arlington and the rest of the region. Rain showers and thunderstorms are expected to dump 1-3 inches of rain on the area through this evening. [National Weather Service]
APS Receives ‘SRTS’ Grant — Arlington Public Schools has received a $67,600 state grant that will be used to fund a new “Safe Routes to School” coordinator position. The SRTS program will help “enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school.” It also seeks to make walking and bicycling to school safer while reducing traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution near schools. [Arlington Public Schools]
DJO Pitcher Honored by Gatorade – Bishop O’Connell High School softball pitcher Tori Finucane has been named the 2012-2013 Gatorade Virginia Softball Player of the Year. Finucane is now eligible to be named the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year. [Sun Gazette]
Flickr pool photo by Martin Humm
Server Trouble This Morning
Update at 10:45 a.m. — The issue seems to be resolved. Thank you for your patience.
ARLnow.com is experiencing server problems this morning.
These problems are causing slow page loads and occasional site outages. Please bear with us as we work to resolve these problems.
We anticipate getting back up and running by 11:00 a.m.
Help Wanted Highlight: Bracket Room
Editor’s Note: Help Wanted Highlight is an occasional, sponsored feature that highlights job openings at local companies.
Bracket Room Sports Lounge and Eatery is opening in July.
Job auditions for ALL POSITIONS [FOH & BOH] begin June 15th.
Please meet us at Lyon Place (1200 N. Garfield Street) in Clarendon, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Limit 30 applicants per session.
Send any inquiries to info@bracketroom.com or call 703-276-7337.
Impacts of Tropical Storm Andrea Felt in Arlington
Arlington has been feeling the impacts of Tropical Storm Andrea today.
The storm has been dumping rain on the region all day, and even heavier rains and stronger wind gusts are expected during the evening commute.
Tonight’s outdoor showing of “Risky Business” in Rosslyn has been cancelled due to the weather. Meanwhile, the soaking rains and wind might be responsible for knocking down power lines along N. Pershing Drive in the Ashton Heights area. Pershing is currently closed between Lincoln and Monroe Streets while police and firefighters wait for Dominion Power crews to repair the lines.
AAA Mid-Atlantic is warning drivers to be careful on the roads tonight, especially during periods of heavier rain.
“Tropical Storm Andrea passes through the Washington Metro area today and will continue north along the I-95 corridor,” the organization said in a press release. “Motorists will face hazardous driving conditions during the evening commute due to heavy winds, torrential rains, and flooding… The auto club is advising motorists to exercise caution if they must take to the roads during the squally driving conditions.”
AAA issued the following list of wet weather driving tips.
- Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase. On dry pavement, a safe following distance permits two to three seconds for stopping; that should be increased to eight seconds on slippery roads. Train your eyes farther down the road than normal, so you can anticipate changes and adjust your course gradually.
- Do not attempt to drive through standing water. Try to avoid bridges and roads that are known to flood. Cross them only if there is little standing or streaming water. When driving on pothole-filled roads, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control. Just a few inches of water can turn your vehicle into a boat, and could put your life, and the lives of those around you, at great risk. Turn around; find another way to get to your destination.
- Watch out for hydroplaning. No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel drive vehicles. Just because brakes work under normal conditions doesn’t mean they will react the same on slippery roads where tires roll with far less traction.
- Alert drivers behind you that you’re slowing with your brake lights. Without anti-lock brakes, squeeze the brakes until they are about to lock up and then release. With anti-lock brakes, use the same move – but don’t pump the brakes, which would work against the operation of the ABS system. Slow down as you approach a pothole. However, do not brake when your vehicle is directly over a pothole.
- Use the central lanes. When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where the water collects at curbside.
- Use low-beam headlights to help other drivers see your car and increase visibility. Remember many states legally require drivers to use their headlights during inclement weather. In our neck of the woods Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have wipers on, lights on laws, according to the AAA Digest of Motor Laws.
- Use your defroster with your air conditioning to keep the air dry and prevent windows from fogging.
- Do not drive around barricades. Many lives have been lost when drivers disregard official orders and find themselves trapped in rising waters.
- Turn off the cruise control in wet weather driving. The use of cruise control on wet roads can cause hydroplaning.
- If conditions worsen to the point where there is any doubt about your safety, take the nearest exit and find a safe location. Don’t just stop on the shoulder or under a bridge where you may feel less anxiety. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too.
- Fumes and oil leaks that build up on dry pavement rise to the surface of the road when it rains, making the road far slicker than it may seem.
Arlington is currently under a Flash Flood Watch.
File photo
